St. Louis County, Missouri – Following a disturbing incident where a Black female student was caught on video assaulting a white female student off school property, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey pointed fingers at the school district’s perceived “race-based policies” for contributing to the event. The attack, which left 16-year-old Kaylee Gain with serious injuries including a skull fracture and brain bleeding, took place near Hazelwood East High School in an unincorporated area of St. Louis County on March 8.
Media reports indicated a widespread outcry from government officials and community members, with many calling for the aggressor to face charges as an adult. In response to the incident, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell expressed deep sympathy for the victim and condemned the violence, recognizing that the case falls under the jurisdiction of juvenile court.
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the school district, Bailey criticized the absence of law enforcement presence during the assault, attributing it to what he perceived as the district’s focus on prioritizing policies based on race over ensuring student safety. The letter also addressed the district’s “Statement of Solidarity,” which pledges to combat racism, discrimination, and violence without regard to race, ethnicity, or other identity factors.
Bailey’s letter underscored his belief that the students were treated differently based on their race, a violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act that guarantees freedom from discrimination and equal access to public accommodations. The Attorney General’s Office, according to Bailey, holds the responsibility to enforce these laws in cases of public importance where violations occur.
Notably, this incident is part of a larger pattern of legal action taken by Bailey’s office against several school districts in the St. Louis area for alleged discrimination and violations of state laws. The ongoing scrutiny of schools’ policies and practices surrounding issues of race and discrimination underscores the broader societal challenges faced by educational institutions in addressing issues of equity and safety.
Hazelwood’s own “Statement of Solidarity,” which references the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks, emphasizes the collective responsibility of all community members in combating racism. The school district’s commitment to addressing systemic issues related to race and violence reflects a broader national conversation on racial equity and social justice, highlighting the complex intersections of policy, law, and community values in shaping educational environments.